More Than A Game

Chapter One

As I pulled into the gym parking lot and parked next to my best friend, Gabby, I felt a sense of happiness. My favorite way to start a Saturday morning is by going to Spin class. Joining the gym and going to all the different classes was the best decision I have ever made. I feel better, healthier, and I have met so many people. But, my favorite thing the gym has done, was reconnect me to a high school friend who I now can't imagine not being in my life.

Gabby and I went to highschool together but didn't really talk. We liked the same things but ran in different friend circles. College happened and we went our separate ways. Then one day, I was looking for a gym to join. I asked the question on where I should join on my Snapchat story and she slid up on it and told me she went to Crunch. I joined and showed up for my first class and we hit it off like we had been friends for years. Now we hardly go a day without seeing each other.

My best friend moved away not long ago and I didn't have too many other people that I would consider my friends. Finding Gabby again brought a new friend to me. We like the same things and have the same style, so it works out really well.

I got out of my car as Gabby did, slinging my gym bag on my back and holding my Alani in my hand. I walked around my car, meeting Gabby in the front. As soon as we saw each other we laughed. We were both wearing black biker shorts and pink tank tops, bag slung on the back and the same Alani in hand- Pink Slush of course.

"We're basically the same person" she joked.

"Basically" I laughed.

We headed inside and signed in, then went into the Spin room where our instructor, Ashley, was there already. The main lights were already off so it was just the strobe lights lighting the room.

"Good morning" she grinned, already sitting on her bike.

"Good morning!" Gabby and I beamed back. We call Ashley our adoptive mom. It's just always been like that. She also loves to hear about our boring 23-24 year old lives. Her kids all live far away so she doesn't talk to them much or hear about what goes on in their lives- which is why she enjoys hearing ours so much.

"Is class gonna be hard?" Gabby groaned as we both sat on the ground to put our Spin shoes on. Ashley let out the biggest laugh.

"Yes, but it's a shorter one because there are a lot of people heading to the game today," she said.

Today college basketball starts in Louisville, Kentucky- and in the state of Kentucky, college sports is a big deal. The University of Louisville, or UofL, has their first game against Tennessee today. UofL has been in a slump the last few years and now they have a new coach that we all hope will bring a revival.

"I'm going to that game today" I told her.

I have been a UofL fan since birth. I didn't go to college there but they will always be my favorite. I'll be at all the games this year with season tickets. I babysit for a single dad, John, for free and he repays me by taking me to the football and basketball games with him and his daughter, Paisley.

"Oh that'll be fun" she smiled, "Where are your seats?"

"Row A" I beamed. Yeah he's kinda boujee.

Ashley nodded, impressed.

The rest of the class started to show up, so we hopped on bikes and began.

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As soon as class ended, I rushed home to shower. I practically ran up my apartment stairs. I was picking John and Paisley up soon so we could head downtown to the arena- the gorgeous KFC Yum! Center.